Our People in NSW
Chris Thompson - Campbelltown
Last week was a busy one for Campbelltown’s Chris Thompson, 25. The young sailor was thousands of kilometres from his parents Harvey and Margot, and little brother Ben, and he wasn’t even aboard a ship.
Instead the Navy Able Seaman was in South Korea as part of Australia’s Federation Guard contingent. He will be at seven ceremonies over six days to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Australian involvement in the Korean War (1950-53).
The UN-led international force’s first task was to help South Korea push back the North Korean invaders, and later it had to contend with human wave attacks by Communist Chinese reinforcements.
“It is my first trip overseas with the Guard and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Chris. “After Broughton College I worked in warehouses and only joined the Navy when I was 22. As a Bosun’s Mate I worked with patrol boats so I’ve already seen a lot of Australia!”
The Canberra-based Australia’s Federation Guard is a ceremonial unit including Navy, Army and RAAF members. They are all are volunteers, hand picked to represent the ADF.
“In Korea I was involved in the Catafalque Party,” said Chris.
“There will also be some Australian veterans from the war with us. Apart from the ceremonial work, part of our job will be to look after them, which will be an amazing honour. I was proud to be with them.
“The top American General in Korea was Douglas MacArthur, so it is only right I have a beer at the Mac when I get home!”